“You have Parkinson’s Disease.” Four words that changed Garen Williams’ life when he was just 45 years old.
“I thought I’d never play football again,” he tells me during our video call from his home in South Wales.
Eight years later, however, the co-founder of Sport Parkinson’s proudly professes to be playing the best football of his life. He’s travelled the world with the game, representing both England and his beloved Cardiff City.
Parkinson’s disease is the fastest-growing neurological condition in the world. Caused by the loss of dopamine-producing cells, it gradually disrupts the brain’s ability to control movement, provoking symptoms including tremors, stiffness, and slowed movement.
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While there is currently no cure, regular exercise remains one of the few proven ways to slow the progression of the disease, and relieve its symptoms.
As Garen says: “I completely forget about my Parkinson’s when I play football. It’s probably the only time I ever actually shut off from thinking about it.
“I feel free. I’m able to move. I’m able to do things that I wouldn’t normally be able to do.”
For him, football is more than a game – it’s a lifeline. A Cardiff City season ticket holder since 1985, the sport has been a constant source of joy. But since his diagnosis in 2017, it has become so much more.
“It’s something I love – a happy and safe place for me,” he says with a smile.
“Parkinson’s is a very difficult thing to deal with. Just getting ready to go out can be stressful. But once I’m on the pitch, I forget about the stress. It’s like the brain switches off, and I stop thinking about my condition…”
CONTINUE READING at source: https://www.northantstelegraph.co.uk/sport/rushden-and-diamonds-showcase-walking-football-at-recent-tournament-5187002
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Author: The Walking Football
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